Replenishing mechanism for looms



June 28 1960 H. N. THIBAULT EI'AL 2,942,629

REPLENISHING MECHANISM FOR LOOMS 1 T H mm m mg m H. WI T m INA A M Mm 2 m E M m H Filed Sept. 15. 1958 June 28, 1960 H. N. THIBAULT ETAL 2,942,629

REPLENISHING MECHANISM FOR LOOMS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 15, 1958 HARRISON N. THIBAULT ROLAND L PLANTE BY 024 f/fvfiiwi A TTORNEY Unite Patented June 28, 1960 2,942,629 REPLENISHING MECHANISM FOR L Harrison N. Thibault and Roland L. Plante, Hopedale, Mass., assignors to Draper Corporation, Hopedale, Mass, a, corporation of Maine Filed Sept. 15, 1958, Ser. No. 761,127

11 Claims. (Cl. 139-247) This invention relates to looms for weaving and, in particular, to improvements in the timer mechanism for air-operated filling bunch control means for use with automatic batteries for looms wherein a supply of bobbins or filling packages is automatically controlled incidental to transfer to a shuttle.

It is a general object of this invention to provide a timer mechanism effective to control the operation of both an extractor mechanism for removing the filling bunch from a bobbin and a suction device for holding and withdrawing said filling bunch from its bobbin.

It is a further object to provide a timer mechanism which is responsive to the transfer device of the loom thus causing an actuation of the extractor mechanism for a short period of time while simultaneously permitting passage of air to a suction device for a longer period of time.

It is a further object to provide a timer-valve means having valved compartments wherein the valves are simultaneously opened by the transfer device of the loom but which are caused to be closed independently so that the periods of time during which air may be supplied from two of the compartments may be varied with respect to each other.

It is a further object to provide a timer mechanism having as a part thereof a valved compartment which may be controlled in conjunction with the loom control means so that the air supply is shut off at any time when the loom is not running.

Other objects will appear from the following detailed description of the device.

In United States Patent No. 2,845,957 there is disclosed a suction thread disposal means as a part of a filling bunch extractor connected to an air system at the. loom and controlled by a timer means acting to valve air to the system upon the initial movement of the members of the bobbin transfer system. The timer disclosed therein operates to actuate an air-controlled extractor head which operates to remove the tip bunch from its bobbin and simultaneously provides suction to a device which holds and finally removes this bunch as well as the filling end of the exhausted, outgoing supply from the selvage to the usual Stafiord type cutter mechanism at the proper instant. Such atimer, however, after a period of time tends to become inaccurate in its operation due to its becoming clogged by lint at that point where air is permitted to bleed into the timer to close the valve to the suction device. Thus, the period of time during which the suction device is in operation is not constant.

According to the instant invention, a timer mechanism has been devised which is controllable to extremely accurate limits over indefinite periods of time. The valve controlling the air supply to the suction device is permittedto be closed by a positively driven mechanism and a spring clutch permits the valve to be closed only as it is actuated by this mechanism. The positively driven-v mechanism in turn is actuated only by movement of the lay.

The invention will be described in greater detail by reference to the accompanying figures of drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a portion, of a loom showing the timer assembly attached thereto.

Fig. 2 is an end view of a portion of the right side of the loom.

Fig. 3- is a close-up of a portion of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows an, enlargement of a small portion of Fig. 2 showing parts of the timer with the loom shut off.

Fig. 5 shows a view similar to that of Fig. 4 with the loom running.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the timer assembly.

Fig. 7 is an end view as seen from the left of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a view taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a view taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is an end view with parts in section as seen from the right side of Fig. 8.

In Figs. 1 and 2 the timer mechanism is denoted by the letter T and is mounted to the right side of the loom by means of an air valve bracket 11. An inlet plunger depressor arm 12 is pivotally mounted on the bracket at 13 and the inlet plunger depressor 14 is fixed so that it is movable with the depressor arm to the right as shown in Fig. 5 when the loom is running and to the left as shown in Fig. 4 when the loom is shut off. Movement of the depressor arm in one direction or the othercauses a, corresponding movement of a plunger 15. for a purpose to be described later. Movement of the depressor arm in one direction or the other is governed by the position of the shipper arm 16 so that when the loom is running theplunger 15 is depressed and when the, loom is. off the depressor arm and plunger are just touching each other.

As shown in Fig. 2 a pawl linkage bracket 17 is fixedly mounted at its lower end to the sword 18 and has a slot formed in its upper end for receiving one end of a pawl linkage connecting rod 19. The latter at its other end is pivotally connected to one end of a pawl lever 20. Thus, as the sword 18 moves back and forth during operation of the loom, the pawl lever is caused, to reciprocate.

A valve depressor 21 causes depression of the plunger 22 and is actuated by rearward movement of, the bobbin transfer mechanism of the loom. Return of the plunger 22 back to its normal position is effected through reciprocation of the pawl lever in a manner to be described.

As seen in Fig. 8 the timer assembly comprises an air valve 35 interconnecting compartments 24 and 25. A valve head 26 is threadably mounted to a valve body 23 forming a portion of compartment 25 and containing a third co-axial compartment 27. The air valve body contains a pressure chamber 28 and passageway 29 separated by a valve 30 mounted on one end of, the plunger 15 and biased in the direction of the passageway 29 by means of a spring 31. An inlet union 32 interconnects, an. air inlet hose 33 with the chamber 28'.

Compartment 24 and passageway 29 are interconnected.v by means of a further passageway 34' and compartment 24-. is normally closed at one end by a valve 35 biased. by a spring 35 and mounted intermediate a timer plunger 37, and at its other end is sealed by an air valve head 38 having an opening therein to permit the passage through the valve head of the plunger 37. V

Thus, it may be seen that when the shipper arm is in. the off position as seen in Figs. 2 and 4, the plunger 15 is in its outermost position and the valve 30 is thus closed and no air can be received in. the air valve body beyond the chamber 28. When the shipper arm is. pulled forward of the loom the inlet plunger, depressor 12, is moved rearwardly moving with it the d'epressor14 which causes a depression of the plunger 15, opening the valve 30 and permitting air under pressure to fill the compartment 24. V The valve 35 normally prevents escape of airbeyond this compartment.

The valve head 26 hasformed therein an outlet opening with v which is threadedly engaged a tube fitting 39 for connecting-a t'ubefto 'a'fillixig bunch extractor head (not shown) 'whiclfmay be "similar to that shown. in

head 26 and has fixed inclosed end of? the plunger avawe 40; gT-he plunger 22 further contains two radial openings 41' QZdnterconnected by an axial'passage way 43. The openingsare located so that when the valve is d 1 112 8 a s pvtsid of l e head and opening 42 appears,.within the head. A spring 43 keeps the'valve 40 closed and also prevents rotation of the plunger. An 9pening 4 4in the compartment 25 permits interconneetionfof aQtu be V witha suction. device connected to the extractor for removalof the filling bunch after it has been cut'by the usual Stafford type thread cutter. The left end of the'tirner plunger 31 as seen'in Fig. 8 is in close proximity torthe valved'en'd of the plun r 80. that. as the transfer mechanism of the 100m' I by providing air through the opening 44. Thus, asthe causes a depression of the plunger 22, the valve 35 will be caused to open as well as the valve 40. An inlet air plunger guide 4555 fixed to the outer circumference of the valve, head: 26 and .has an opening therein for supporting the plunger Rubber O- rings R are insertable into slots in the valve body or outlet connections to prevent the escape oftair as shown in Fig; 8. V

An escapement bracket 46 is fastened to'an extension 47 of the valve; body at 48 and 49. Approximately centrally iofthe bracket there is inserted a ratchet gear stud 50 as shown more clearly in Figs. 9 and 10. r A ratchet gear 51 is mounted thereon on one side of the bracket 46 against a ratchet gear bearing52. A stud washer 53, a

clutch gear 54 and clutch spring 55 are mounted in that order on member side of the bracket. A shoulder 56 formedin the stud at one end and a nut 57 threadedly engaged at its other end permit assembly .of-the unit. The

spring clutch assembly just described permits free and innocker arms'60 and 61 fixed upon the pawl lever stud 62.

, A toothed rack 63 is received at one end in a groove in the plunger 37 and rests upon the stud gear 54. An escapement clutch cover, 64 having a slot 65 formed therein is fastened to one side of the escapement bracket 46 and a bracket cover 66 is fastened to the other side of the bracket. The pawl lever is fixed .to'th'e pawl lever stud so that reciprocation of the former actuates the pawls altematelythroughtth'eir respective rocker arms.

In the operation of the timer assembly, movement of 'the shipper arm forward causes a depression of the plunger 15 thus admitting. air underpressure into compartment 24. -When a. call for transfer' of a bobbin is made thereby afiecting the transfer .mechanism of the may be carried out in a number of ways.

plunger 37 is depressed, the rack 63 is' caused to move to the right as seen 'in Fig. '8 rotating the clutch gear 54 clockwise in its freely and independently movable direction. The spring 36 tends'to return valve immediately to a closing position but is prevented from doing so by the pawl and ratchet assembly, since movement of the clutch gear in acounterclockwise direction, requires simultaneous movement of the ratchet wheel in the same direction due to theaction of "the spring clutch. j Reciproca tion of the swo'rd'causes areciprocation of the pawl: lever through the connecting assembly shown in Fig. 2, which transfers suchmotion tothe fixed rockerarms and subsequently to the pawls alternately, thus permitting a slow counterclockwise movement of,.the ratchet WheeL' thus permitting the valve 35 toireturn to a: closed position.

Obviously, the valve depressor 21 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of depression of the plunger 22, thus resulting in a correspondingincrease'or decrease in the period of time in which air is admitted to the unermi'" f While one embodiment of the invention has been dis closed, it is to beunderstood that the inventive concept This-invention is, therefore, not to be limited to the precise details described, but is intended to" embrace all variations and modifications thereof falling within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims.

We claim: p I

1. A timing means for timing the action of a tip bunch extractor in a loom for weaving, said timing meanscomprising a first spring-biased valve for admitting a continuous flow of air under pressure into a first compartment of'said timing'means when said loom is in operation, a second spring-biased valve in said first compartment adapted to control passage of air from said first compartment into asecond compartment co-axial therewith, said second compartment having an opening in its side permitting flow of air under pressure to anejectorjand including suction thereat, a third springbiased valve in said second compartment co-axial with said second valve adapted -to be actuated by the transfer mechanism of the loom whereby said second valve is caused to open, said,

a third valve normally closing ofii a third compartment which has anopening in its side forradmitting air under pressure to said extractor. V V I 2. The mechanism of claim 1 whereinsaid second valve, upon being opened by the transfer mechanism, is held open by meansof a springclutch assembly and slowly released therefrom by means of a pawl and ratchet assembly actuated by movement of the lay, thus providing a supply of air under pressure to said ejector for an extended period of time.

' 3. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said third valve is mounted on a plunger axially spaced from the plunger supporting said second valve, said third valve plunger having an axial'passage therein terminating at'two radial passages in said plunger, whereby air may be readily re- 1 leased from said third compartment permitting said third loom, thegvalve depressor 21 actuatesthe plunger'22 thus opening valve 40 which in turn actuates plunger 37 opening valven35.-,, Thus, air-under pressure is admitted to.

tion and the"spring 43 permits valve 40 to return to a closing position. Therair. under. pressure in compartment 27 leaks'o'ut fairly rapidly, through radial openings 42 and 43 and their interconnecting passagewayso that the extractorhead is returned to its usual position in a rela- V tively short period of time.

* However, it is desired to maintain air pressure to the suction device a comparatively longer period of time p valve to assume a closing position prior to said second valve. J 4; A timing means fortiming the action of: a tipbunch extractor in a loom for weaving, said timing means comprising a first valve permitting passage of air under pres sure to a first compartment when said loom is in operation, a second valve in saidfirst compartment to control air supply toa' suctionmeans, and a' third valve in a second compartment co-axial'with'said first compartment to control air supply to said extractor, said second valve being permitted tobe returned independently to' a closing position by a positivelydriven means. 1 V V i 5. The, timing means of claim 4 wherein said positively driven means comprises a pawl and ratchet wheel assembly adapted to be actuated by the lay of the loom.

6.'The timing means of claim 4 wherein said third Ila valve is mounted on a plunger having an axial part therein through which air for said extractor may be exhausted, thus permitting a relatively rapid return of said third valve to a closing position.

7. A timing means for timing the action of a tip hunch extractor in a loom for weaving, said timing means comprising a series of three axially aligned communicating compartments, a valve in a first of said compartments for admitting air under pressure from said first to a second of said compartments adjacent thereto, a further valve in said second compartment for admitting said air from said sec- 0nd to a third of said compartments, said further valve being adapted to control opening of said first-mentioned valve, and time controlled means effective to maintain the latter in open position for a predetermined period of time.

8. Mechanism as defined in claim 7 wherein said firstmentioned valve is adapted to be actuated by means including the transfer setting members of the loom.

9. Mechanism as defined in claim 8 wherein said time controlled means is also actuated by said members.

10. A timing means for timing the action of a tip bunch extractor in a loom for weaving, said timing means comprising a series of three axially aligned communicating compartments, a valve in a first of said compartments for admitting air under pressure from said first to a second of said compartments adjacentthereto, a further valve in said second compartment for admittingsaid air from said second to a third of said compartments, said further valve being adapted to control opening of said first-mentioned valve,'and time controlled means effective to maintain the latter in open position for a predetermined period of time, said time controlled means including a spring clutch means having a gear member for controlling closing of said first-mentioned valve, and a pawl and ratchet assembly adapted to permit periodic movement of said gear member.

11. The mechanism of claim 10" ,wherein said valves are spring-biased in a closing direction and wherein said second and third compartments are provided with air outlet means.

7 References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Orndorf Feb. 23, 1904 Banks et al. Aug. 5, 1958 

